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Lit, with grit.
That’s how VCP Village resident Rev describes the writing style in his upcoming book. The Air Force Veteran says that moving into the Village provided an environment to channel a lifelong passion for writing into a novel in the genre of Black pulp fiction.
“This place is giving people an opportunity to be something they never had the chance to be,” he said.
An author, in his case. Rev has secured a deal with an independent book publisher for an anticipated run of 3,000-5,000 copies with online and brick-and-mortar distribution at publication, likely mid-next year.
Before moving into the transitional tiny home housing at VCP Village, Rev experienced homelessness. “My situation, I was on the street living under the bridge, or sleeping in the library,” adding, with a nod, “around books, right?”
Now, he says the publication of his own book is both a life goal and a show of appreciation for the support provided by the team at Veterans Community Project. He was among the original cohort of Veterans who moved in when VCP Village opened in St. Louis last fall.
As he writes in his 240-square-foot tiny home (sometimes sitting at a laptop but often standing on his phone), Rev draws inspiration from writers like Iceberg Slim and Raymond Chandler. He also reflects on his time as a world-ranked boxer during his Air Force service in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
“It’s that old saying… I could’ve been a contender,” he said, elaborating that he made pre-Olympic trials but was forced to medically withdraw after perforating an eardrum in a fight (notably, he won).
Afterwards, Rev went on to a career as a sparring partner, training several decorated boxers who turned to him for his ability to imitate a wide variety of fighters. He sees parallels to his life today.
“Writing is fighting,” he said. “How words come together on a page are like combination punches. Words need to grab your attention real quick, then continue. Pop, pop, pop.”
His identity as a fighter is part of why he was hesitant to ask for help when he fell on hard times. He eventually found about VCP by doing research about local Veteran services on a library computer.
Over the past year, he has worked closely with VCP case managers in the areas of health and wellness, education, employment, financial literacy, and a personal support network.
Reflecting on his experience, he encourages those able to support fellow VCP residents.
“These are Veterans who have spent their life serving their country,” he said.
Concluding, “Give them an opportunity.”